On a team full of veteran stars, the Iowa Hawkeye’s got a breakout season from Zac Lutmer back last season as he led the secondary as a sophomore.
He became a key player that defensive coordinator Phil Parker could move around the field as needed. Lutmer played at boundary corner, slot corner, safety, and the cash position in 2025. That versatility has earned the attention of a major college football award.
6 is a 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 💰@LutmerZach ➡️ @NagurskiTrophy Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/iWNjXmvzWc
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 4, 2026
Lutmer was named to the Bronko Nagurski Award preseason watch list. The Nagurski Award is presented annually to the player the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) deems to be the best defensive player in the country.
Last season, Lutmer amassed 71 total tackles, seven passes defended, three interceptions, and a touchdown. With TJ Hall, Xavier Nwankpa, and Koen Entringer all gone from the secondary, Lutmer will take on a bigger leadership role for that unit. His inclusion on the Nagurski Trophy watch list indicates that the media believes he can do just that.
